Vacation rentals are jam-packed with savings and often carry rates as much as 50% less per night than a hotel would. Vacation rentals and vacation homes can land you and your family in the same location as a top hotel, but you often have more space, beautiful kitchens to cook your own meals and options to pay by the week for greater savings.

Vacation rentals aren't for everyone, but if you can part with a concierge and room service, they're a great way to go, particularly for larger families.

Instead of booking two hotel rooms or a high suite rate for a family of 6, there are great vacation properties where you can easily accommodate at least that amount of people for under $300 per night.

I've sampled and tested many websites out there for vacation rentals but one of my favorites is HomeAway. If you are searching for a vacation rental, before you use this website or any website I recommend the following:

1) NEVER sign a contract with a vacation rental owner without first calling them and making sure the phone number is active.